NIE refuses to pay for pole move in Killyleagh

NIE refuses to pay for pole move in Killyleagh

27 May 2015

NORTHERN Ireland Electricity has rejected calls to relocate one of its poles which support overhead power cables at the Kerry estate in Killyleagh.

Councillor Billy Walker was hoping NIE would relocate the pole which is located on a footpath close to new parking areas residents have created by doing away with their front gardens to ease congestion at this part of the estate.

NIE engineers are currently on site carrying out work to replace existing cables which provide power to homes but the company is refusing to relocate the poll. It insists if residents want it relocated, they will have to foot the bill.

Councillor Walker said the cost of the work has been estimated at £10,000 and was hoping that with NIE engineers working at the Kerry estate the pole could be relocated just a few feet from the the footpath to an adjacent garden fence. He believes it is ”unfair” to penalise customers by asking them to pay for the work and hopes NIE will have a change of heart.

“Residents have provided parking areas in front of their homes which used to be gardens. This work, carried out at their own expense, has eased traffic congestion at this part of the Kerry estate and will ensure that in the event of an emergency, fire, ambulance and police personnel will be able to access people’s homes,” he explained.

“The estimated cost of relocating the pole appears rather exorbitant to me and I am wondering if this exercise can be carried out for less given that NIE engineers are currently on site. This is not the first time I have raised this particular issue and I hope the residents’ wishes to have this pole relocated will be realised.”

Councillor Walker said he intends to keep lobbying NIE to have the work carried out and hopes NIE will accede to residents requests and meet the cost of relocation.

Shirley Devlin, NIE’s customer relations manager, confirmed Northern Ireland Electricity is undertaking a major undereaves replacement programme in the Kerry area of Killyleagh, explaining the work will replace older overhead power lines and is part of the organisation’s ongoing “asset improvement scheme in Co. Down.” 

She added: “The electricity pole in question is the central point where the overhead power lines connect. Any alteration to the electricity network at a customer’s request is chargeable and the costs would be met by the customer who had requested the work.I have spoken with elected representatives in the area and have explained the current situation.”